The project is estimated to cost around 30 million Turkish liras.

Turkey's first archaeological restoration and conservation facility is set to open in the southeastern province of Gaziantep, said an official with the Turkish Culture Ministry on Monday.

The restoration center is planned to be located near the Birecik Dam that would partially inundate the ancient city of Zeugma, said Salih Efiloglu, culture and tourism director in Gaziantep.

The project is estimated to cost around 30 million Turkish liras.

The construction work is set to start this month and the center will open within 10 months, Efiloglu said.

"Many archaeological artifacts in Turkey are waiting to be restored, and this is an indication that Turkey has needed a restoration center for many years," Efiloglu said, adding that ancient artifacts from neighboring countries such as Iraq and Syria would also be treated at the center.

AA

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